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Director of Nursing Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A 333182609director of nursing14.57rn12.68registered nurse12.05nurse4.96nurse manager3.7231550735336142000.00107633.79202000.00YEARLY2483331702025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director of Nursing, or Nursing Director, oversees the nursing staff and overall nursing operations of their healthcare facility. Their duties include evaluating and directing all nursing employees, establishing goals for the nursing department and creating and enforcing compliant healthcare policies.

333182609director of nursing14.57rn12.68registered nurse12.05nurse4.96nurse manager3.7231550735336142000.00107633.79202000.00YEARLY2483331702025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director of Nursing duties and responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of a 333182609director of nursing14.57rn12.68registered nurse12.05nurse4.96nurse manager3.7231550735336142000.00107633.79202000.00YEARLY2483331702025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director of Nursing include:

  • Supervising all nursing staff
  • Overseeing department budgets
  • Reporting to higher management in the healthcare facilities
  • Maintaining high standards of care for all patients
  • Managing patients’ data and medical records as confidential records
  • Communicating with doctors, patients and family members about patient health
  • Recruiting, training and onboarding new nursing staff
  • Providing ongoing education classes
  • Implementing new procedures and training Nurses on policies

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Director of Nursing Job Description Examples

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What does a 333182609director of nursing14.57rn12.68registered nurse12.05nurse4.96nurse manager3.7231550735336142000.00107633.79202000.00YEARLY2483331702025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director of Nursing do?

Directors of Nursing are responsible for ensuring all nursing personnel are performing productively and efficiently at all times. They often act as the point of contact between their employees and the Physicians or other healthcare team members. Directors of Nursing build training programs and operating policies that help the nursing staff meet goals that improve the overall performance of the healthcare facility.

Many of them are responsible for recruiting, hiring and onboarding new nursing team members. Directors of Nursing are usually given a budget that they must follow and consider when ordering new supplies and making any other financial decisions.

333182609director of nursing14.57rn12.68registered nurse12.05nurse4.96nurse manager3.7231550735336142000.00107633.79202000.00YEARLY2483331702025-10-012025-10-312025-09-012025-09-302025-11-05Director of Nursing skills and qualifications

Directors of Nursing need a variety of hard skills, soft skills and qualifications, such as:

  • Excellent multitasking and organization skills
  • Ability to lead and instruct others
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Verbal and written communication
  • Up-to-date knowledge of nursing practices, methods and tools
  • Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
  • Ability to manage a large budget

Director of Nursing salary expectations

A Director of Nursing makes an average of $94,862 per year. Salary may depend on level of experience, education and the geographical location.

Director of Nursing salary expectations

2025-10-0142000.00107633.79202000.00YEARLY
  • Common salary: 107633.79 YEARLY
  • Typical salaries range from 42000.00 - 202000.00 YEARLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Director of Nursing education and training requirements

Directors of Nursing must be Registered Nurses. They should have at least an associate degree, though many employers prefer a bachelor’s degree. They also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing-Registered Nurse (NCLEX-RN), and maintain a current nursing license. Often, a Master of Science in Nursing or Healthcare Administration might be necessary. A Director of Nursing gains years of training throughout their career as a Registered Nurse.

Director of Nursing experience requirements

Candidates for a Director of Nursing position should have full-time, consistent experience as a Registered Nurse for several years. A minimum of four years or more of consistent full-time nursing experience is useful for a Director of Nursing job.

Some healthcare facilities, such as hospitals or nursing homes, require several years of supervisory experience before they consider a Director of Nursing candidate. A master’s degree can serve as a substitute for some experience. Healthcare requirements also may vary from state to state for being a Director of Nursing.

Job description samples for similar positions

If the Director of Nursing job description doesn’t meet your needs, see job descriptions for related positions:

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Frequently asked questions about Directors of Nursing

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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